The Kansas City Hornets of the NBA?

Those can be the best markets for the NBA. A city where it's the only show in town.

 

Couldn't the Hornets split time at Sprint Center and the Qwest Center?

 

See Portland.

 

I don't think there's any demand for a second team downtown, but if you put a team in the Northwerstern suburbs, it could do well.

There are a ton of big companies that are headquartered out there and there's a big & wealthy population not interested in coming downtown.

I think they could attract the sponsorship dollars, corporate ticket buyers, family fan base, and eventually TV audience to be successful.

The only question would be an arena. The Allstate Arena (The Rosemont) is old and probably not suited for an NBA team, and the Sears Center (opened in 2006) only holds 11,000. It's also a little too far away.

But, something in Schaumburg would would do well. It's really not a bad idea.

But, I also don't know that anyone wants to build a third suburban arena.

 

Classic example of billionaire owners extorting multiple arenas out of taxpayers, attempting to extort more, then threatening to move when they don't get their way.

 

With AEG running the Sprint Center, a stupid owner would have to sign on to that. I don't know how much more money can be made in KC than in New Orleans under that scenario.

 

You could say that about any city, even during boom times.

 

They should just let AEG own and run multiple teams.

It seems like it's worked out well for MLS. They've had 13 straight years of uninterrupted growth.

 

And Charlotte, in the Hornets' early days. Used to sell out the entire season before the first game.

 

I can't see Chicago getting a second team. The Clippers have never done well being L.A.'s second team, although Donald Sterling has a lot to do with that.

And the Nets, at least until they move to Brooklyn, have always been second-fiddle to the Knicks, even during their two Finals runs a few years back.

 

I'd be shocked if Louisville doesn't make a play for either the Hornets or Kings if both are intent on moving.

 

Agreed. Brand new arena. Decent-sized city. No NBA rival for miles. No other pro (MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, whatever) to compete with.